Sports training apparatus and method of using the same

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for practicing athletic skills for a sport that uses a net includes a support frame for mounting on the net and a pair of blocking assemblies supported by the frame. Each of the blocking assemblies includes a blocking paddle that extends upwardly from the frame above the top edge of the net. The blocking paddle may have the size and/or shape of an adult human hand, and it may be supported by an arm having the size and/or shape of an adult human forearm. Each blocking paddle may be secured relative to the support frame so that it may be selectively and independently oriented. The support frame may have top and bottom portions that engage the net, and it may be translatable alongside the net. A lobe may project upwardly from the frame and be sized similarly to an adult human head.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention broadly concerns training equipment for sports andrecreational activities. More particularly, the disclosed embodimentsconcern a sports apparatus useful for improving skills related to aparticular sport, such as volleyball. Specifically, the embodiment ofthe present invention relate to a training apparatus useful forimproving a volleyball player's skills for scoring points when presentedwith a variety of possible defensive techniques used by the opposingteam. The present invention also relates to a method of using one ormore training apparatuses to train skills useful for playing aparticular sport such as volleyball.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many individuals strive toward becoming and staying healthy andphysically fit. While many seek physical fitness individually, byjogging, swimming, biking, weightlifting, and the like, others choose todo so through group sports activities. Such activities include suchvaried sports as tennis, football, basketball, soccer, and volleyball,just to name a few. While many participate in these sports activitiesfor the social interaction, others seek to play on a more competitivelevel. In either case, such sports activities offer an enjoyable way toachieve physical fitness.

Of the sports activities mentioned above, many such as basketball,football, and volleyball require skills of handling a ball so that ittravels along a certain trajectory. In basketball, the player strives toaim the basketball into a basketball hoop to score points while infootball, some players throw the football for their teammates to catchwhile others try to kick the football through the goal posts. Involleyball, players strategize ways to hit the volleyball in theopposing team's court.

Many sports participants, particularly those who play on a morecompetitive level, train to improve these ball handling skills. Forexample, in basketball, players repeatedly stand at varying distancesfrom the basketball hoops to practice their shots. Football playerssometimes suspend tires and throw footballs through the opening in thetire to practice. However, during actual game time, the opposing teamwill try to deflect or otherwise keep the ball from reaching thedestination intended by the thrower. Accordingly, it is also beneficial,during practice the practice of these skills, to imitate real game typesituations.

One way in which players can practice game type situations is withscrimmage matches. However, there are a few techniques or apparatusesavailable that allow coaches to assist in the development of ballhandling skills outside while still having the player benefit fromdefensive playing positions. Coaches and literature both can providetips for making the practicing player aware of common defensivepositions. However, there is still a need for an improved method ofimproving these techniques. Further, there is a need for a trainingdevice that enables the setter to improve ball handling skills for adesired sport while benefiting from an apparatus that mimics possibledefensive positions that will likely arise during real game timesituations. The present invention is directed to meeting these needs.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

An aspect of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention is toprovide a useful training apparatus and method for developing skillsrelated to a particular sport;

Another aspect of the exemplary embodiments is to provide a volleyballtraining apparatus and useful method in developing the skills forspiking a volleyball into the opposing team's court or otherwise sendingthe volleyball over the net to increase scoring potential.

A further aspect of the exemplary embodiments of the present inventionis to provide a training apparatus that is both portable and easy toassemble and disassemble;

Yet another aspect of the exemplary embodiments is to provide a trainingapparatus that is adjustable to accommodate various associated sportingequipment, such as volleyball nets;

A further aspect of the exemplary embodiments is to provide a trainingapparatus that can be oriented to imitate possible defensive techniquesso as to improve the trainee's offensive game;

Yet another aspect of the exemplary embodiments is to provide a trainingapparatus that is made of lightweight, durable material that canwithstand repeated use;

Yet another aspect of the exemplary embodiments is to provide a methodof developing sports related skills for achieving a competitiveadvantage.

According to the exemplary embodiments, an apparatus is disclosed foruse by an athlete when practicing athletic skills for a sport thatutilizes a horizontal net wherein the net is suspending above a supportsurface and wherein the net has a top edge and a bottom edge so as todefine a vertical plane when so suspended. Broadly, the exemplaryembodiments of the apparatus utilize a support frame that is adapted tobe mounted on the net in a mounted state. A pair of blocking assembliesis then supported by the frame. Each of the blocking assemblies includesa blocking paddle that extends from the frame generally above the topedge of the net when the frame is in the mounted state.

Each blocking assembly may include an arm having a proximal portionsecured to the frame with the blocking paddle secured to the arm at adistal end thereof. The arm, if desired can have the size and shapeabout that of an adult human foreman. While the blocking paddle can takeany desired shape, in one embodiment, the blocking paddle is configuredin the shape of a human hand and has a size about that of the adulthuman hand. These paddles are formed of a low density, break resistantplastic, such as polyvinyl chloride.

In any event, the exemplary embodiments disclose that the blockingpaddle is secured to the support frame in a manner such that eachblocking paddle may be placed in a selected orientation independently ofone another. Such orientation may include pivoting the paddle relativeto the support frame or, at least one embodiment rotatably positioningthe paddle alone or in conjunction with a pivotally orienting theblocking paddle. To accomplish the pivoting motion, the support frame isprovided with a pair of locking pivot gear fasteners corresponding toeach leg. The blocking paddles are then respectively supported by eachof the locking pivot gear fasteners whereby each blocking paddle may beplaced and releasably locked in selected pivotally orientation withrespect to the support frame. If desired, an auxiliary extension arm maybe used with each locking pivot gear fastener. Here, the proximal endportion of the extension arm is secured to its respective locking pivotgear fastener. A respective blocking paddle is then secured to thedistal end portion of each extension arm. This allows the blockingpaddles to be positioned at higher or extended relationship with respectto the support frame.

In the exemplary embodiments, the support frame has a top portion thatengages the top edge of the net and a bottom portion that engages thebottom edge of the net. Moreover, the support frame is structure so asto be translatable along side the net whereby the frame may beselectively positioned therealong. To this end, the top portion of thesupport frame may be provided with at least one roller that engages thetop edge of the net whereby the frame may be rolled along the top edgeof the net for translation therealong.

In the exemplary embodiments, the support frame is generally rectangularin shape and includes a pair of spaced apart legs each having alongitudinally extending central leg axis and each forming a respectiveone of the sides of the support. A lowercross piece then extends betweenthe legs and an upper crosspiece extends between the legs of theselected distance with respect to the lower crosspiece. Here, theblocking assemblies are respectively secured to extend upwardly fromeach of the legs. The upper crosspiece may have an upwardly projectinglobe located between the axis of the legs and thus between the blockingassemblies. This lobe may be configured to have a size and shape aboutthat of an adult human head so as to more accurately simulate aimaginary defender. Further, the selected distance between the upper andlower cross pieces may be selectively adjusted so as to allow thesupport frame to mount on different nets.

The present invention also contemplates a method of training an athletein the sport of volleyball. Here, the disclosed embodiments include astep of providing a training apparatus that includes a pair ofindependently movable blocking paddles. The method contemplates securingthe training apparatus to a volleyball net in a manner that preventstranslation of the training apparatus along the net. The orientation ofthe blocking paddles are selectively adjusted to desired locations.These steps can take place in any order. The method then includes havingan athlete attempt to send a volleyball passed the training apparatus asif the training apparatus were a defender against the athlete. Themethod may also include an optional step of translating the trainingapparatus along the net while the athlete is attempting to send thevolleyball passed the training apparatus.

These and other aspects of the exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention will become more readily appreciated and understood from aconsideration of the following detailed description of the exemplaryembodiments of the present invention when taken together with theaccompanying drawings, in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a training apparatus as viewed from thefront according to an exemplary embodiment of the present inventionshown mounted to and supported by a conventional volleyball net;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view the training apparatus shown in FIG. 1 asviewed from the back;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the frame portion of thetraining apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a clamp used to assemble the frame ofthe training apparatus;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a clamp used to assemble the frame ofthe training apparatus;

FIG. 6 is a right view in elevation of the top portion of the frameshowing the clamp secured with the first fastener;

FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of the top portion of the frame takenabout lines 7-7 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 is a right view in elevation of the bottom portion of the frameshowing the clamp secured with the first fastener;

FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of the bottom portion of the frametaken about lines 9-9 of FIG. 2

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a representative paddle,which is supported by the frame piece of the training apparatus;

FIG. 11 is a front view in elevation of a representative blocking paddleaccording to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention shownconnected to the leg of the frame with a rotatable fastener;

FIG. 12 is an end view in elevation of the rotatable locking fastenershown in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the training apparatus in a selectedorientation;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the training apparatus shown in analternative selected orientation;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the training apparatus in yet anotherselected orientation;

FIG. 16 is a front view in elevation of an alternative trainingapparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a front view in elevation showing a third exemplaryembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a front view in elevation of a blocking paddle according tothe third exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a side view in partial cross-section showing the upperportion of the support frame and the mounting of a blocking paddlethereto according to the third exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 20 is a front view in elevation showing a portion of the uppercrosspiece and a rotatable locking fastener according to the thirdexemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 21 is a side view in partial cross-section showing an optionalextension arm according to the third exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIEMENTS

The present invention broadly relates to training equipment for sportsand recreational activities. More particularly, the present inventionrelates to a multi-purpose training apparatus useful for improvingskills associated with many different sports. The present invention hasspecific usefulness in training a volleyball player to aim thevolleyball into the opposing team's court while avoiding the opposingteam's blocking tactics. Among other things, simulating the opposingteam's blocking tactics help to hone the skills of anticipation,decision-making, movement speed and jumping ability.

Generally, the training apparatus of the present invention comprises asupport frame including a pair of spaced-apart parallel legs joinedtogether by a pair of spaced-apart generally parallel crosspieces. Theframe is constructed of lightweight material so that it can be mountedon to a volleyball net and be supported thereby. The frame is adjustableto accommodate a nets of varying sizes and is further capable oftraveling along the length of the net once supported thereby.

Each leg supports a blocking paddle which may be mounted on a supportarm. Preferably, each arm is about the length of the average forearm fora human while the paddle is about the size of an outstretched hand.Similar to the movement of the human forearm, each arm of the trainingapparatus is joined to a respective leg with a rotatable lockingfastener device that permits a greater than 180° movement. As such, eacharm can be placed in a desired orientation to mimic a desired blockingtactic.

The construction of the training apparatus of the present invention isuseful for simulating blocking or defensive tactics of a variety ofsports and particularly football and basketball. The components of thetraining apparatus and method of using the same will be discussed hereinwith particular reference to volleyball, but it is not intended as alimitation to its applicability as a training apparatus in other sports.

To better appreciate the structure of the sports training apparatus ofthe present invention, reference is first made to FIG. 1, which showstraining apparatus 10 mounted onto a volleyball net 12, partially shown,and supported on support surface 14, which could be the ground, pavedsurface area, or floor of a gymnasium or volleyball court. Generally,training apparatus 10 includes frame 20 mounted to and supported by net12 and extending upwardly therefrom, a pair of arms 70 and 72 andpaddles 80 and 82.

With reference now to both FIGS. 1 and 2, support frame 20 includes apair of spaced-apart legs 22 and 24 interconnected by a lower crosspiece26 and an upper crosspiece 28, both shown here in the form of panels. Apair of rollers 30 are rotatably mounted to upper cross piece 28, andthese rollers enable frame 20 to travel or translate across the lengthof net 12, either in direction “t” or “t”’. More particularly, onceframe 20 is mounted on net 12 in a mounted state, net 12 is positionedin the gap between crosspiece 28 and legs 22, 24, and bottom edge 18 isinterposed in the gap between lower crosspiece 26 and legs 22, 24.Rollers 30 are seated on the top edge 16 of net 12.

As perhaps best shown in FIG. 2, training apparatus 10 is essentiallysuspended by the contact that exists between net 12 and rollers 30.Training apparatus 10 is accordingly constructed of a lightweightmaterial that is also sufficiently strong to survive the training. Legs22, 24 and arms 70, 72 are hollow and may be formed of a lightweightdurable plastic material such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), as well asmetal, or other suitable materials known in the art. Upper and lowercross pieces, shown as flat panels, may be formed of plastic, such asacrylic plastic, or other suitable lightweight yet durable material.

The assembly of frame 20 according to the first embodiment of thisinvention is perhaps best understood with reference to FIG. 3. As shown,both upper and lower crosspieces 26 and 28 are coupled to legs 22, 24with clamps 40. Rollers 30 are rotatably disposed on upper crosspiece 28by ordinary means known in the art. Rollers 30 are able to rotate 360°in either direction, as shown by arrows “a”. In addition, frame 20includes support strut 32, which is coupled to upper crosspiece 28.Since upper crosspiece 28 is most likely to come into contact with theball or its trainer, upper crosspiece 28 is preferably reinforced withsupport strut 32, which can be made of a sturdy plastic material, metal,a combination thereof, or other suitable material for this purpose.Additionally, if desired, legs 22, 24 may be provided with foot caps 34,which may be formed of a skid resistant material, such as rubber. Footcaps 34 are sized and adapted slide over legs 22, 24 and are maintainedthereon by friction.

Each clamp 40 has two oppositely extending places of securement to itsrespective crosspiece. Accordingly, each clamp 40 has a first fastenerand a second fastener that releasably secure it to a respectivecrosspiece. However, before describing the fasteners, and theirsecurement, reference is now made to FIGS. 4 and 5, which show arepresentative clamp 40. Clamp 40 includes band member 42 with alengthwise slit 44, which partitions the band thereby keeping it frombeing completely enclosed. Partitioning band member 42 permits theadjustment of its diameter. Clamp 40 further includes a pair of nubs 46located on either side of slit 42 and tab 48. Nubs 46 and tab 48 extendoutwardly from band member 42 in opposite directions thereof. Nubs 46include aligned holes 50 that are sized and adapted for receiving acomponent of the first fasteners. The tightening and loosening of thefirst fasteners varies the diameter of band member 42. Tab 48 has a hole52 that is sized and adapted to receive a component of the secondfasteners.

Returning then to FIG. 3, a representative first fastener 54 is shown toinclude bolt 56, washer 57, and knob 58. Bolt 56 extends through hole 53formed in the upper or lower crosspiece, through nubs 46 of clamp 40where it is then received by knob 58. As described above, the diameterof band member 42 is adjustable by tightening or loosening firstfastener 54. As such, knob 58 is provided with an enlarged head tofacilitate this adjustment.

Adjusting the diameter of band member 42 permits both upper and lowercrosspieces 26, 28 to be selectively positioned on the length of legs22, 24, thus allowing frame 20 to be adjusted to accommodate nets ofvarious sizes. Representative examples of this adjustment feature areshown in FIGS. 13-15, which show how lower crosspiece 26 can beselectively placed along the length of legs 22 and 24.

Moreover, the ability to adjust clamp 40 in this way permits legs 22 and24 to rotate on their central axis. More particularly, as represented byleg 24 in FIG. 2, leg 24 has a central axis “Y”. When clamps 40 areloosened, leg 24 rotates on axis “Y” in the direction of arrow “c”, forexample, which effectively rotates paddle 82. Examples of this rotationare also shown in FIGS. 13-15.

A representative second fastener 60 is shown to include bolt 62 and nut64. Bolt 62 extends through holes 61 formed in the crosspieces and thenthrough hole 52 in tab 48 where it is then received by nut 64.

As mentioned above, when the training apparatus is mounted on thevolleyball net so as to be supported thereby, the rollers associatedwith the upper crosspiece are seated on the top edge of the volleyballnet. The volleyball net extends downwardly, between both the upper andlower crosspieces and each of the legs. The upper crosspiece and each ofthe legs are preferably spaced apart enough to both accommodate rollersand the positioning of the net engagement of the net therewith.Accordingly, the frame may further be provided with insert pieces in theform of spacers that assist in the appropriate spacing of the uppercrosspiece and the legs.

Again, with respect to FIG. 3, a representative first insert piece 66and a representative second insert piece 68 are shown associated withthe coupling of leg 22 and upper crosspiece 28. As shown in FIGS. 6 and7, roller 30 is seated upon top edge 16 of net 12. With particularreference to FIG. 6, then, insert piece 66 is interposed between nub 46and upper crosspiece 28 and is maintained in place by means of bolt 56,a component of first fastener 54. Insert piece 66 can be in the form ofa sleeve for bolt 56, which extends therethrough, and may be formed ofany durable material such as plastic, metal, and the like. However,insert piece 66 is not limited to this configuration.

As shown in FIG. 7, insert piece 68 is interposed between tab 48 andupper crosspiece 28 and is maintained in place by means of bolt 62, acomponent of second fastener 60. More particularly, bolt 62 extendsthrough insert piece 68, through tab 48, through support strut 32 andreceived by nut 64. Similar to insert piece 66, insert piece 68 may bein the form of a sleeve but may be any suitable configuration thataccomplishes the distance needed between upper crosspiece 28 and leg 22.In addition, insert pieces 66, 68, and 69 help to stabilize therespective bolts extending therethrough during adjustment of thetraining apparatus.

As shown, for example, in FIG. 2, rollers are not mounted to lowercrosspiece 26. Accordingly, additional space between the lowercrosspiece and the legs of the frame is not required. However, as shownin FIGS. 8 and 9, it may be seen that a slight gap 41 exists between oneof the nubs 46 and lower crosspiece 26 when coupled to leg 22 that isnot present between tab 48 and crosspiece 26. If desired, gap 41 can befilled with an insert piece of suitable size and configuration. Withreference then to both FIGS. 3 and 8, insert piece 69 may be used tofill gap 41 in a similar way to that described above with reference toFIGS. 6 and 7. As shown, bolt 56 extends through lower crosspiece,through insert piece 69, and nubs 46 where it is received by knob 58.Rollers can optionally be provided on the lower crosspiece and thedistance between the lower crosspiece and each leg of the frame can beaccommodated by assembling insert piece similar to that described abovewith reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

As shown, for example, in FIG. 12, arms 70 and 72 are supported by framelegs 22 and 24 respectively. Each arm 70 and 72 receive a respectiveblocking paddle 80, 82, which may be oriented to mimic a variety ofblocking techniques. FIG. 10 shows a representative blocking paddle 80and arm 70, which is identical in construction to that of paddle 82 andarm 72. As shown in FIG. 10, a paddle 80 includes blade 83, face 84,neck 86 and shank 88 having an aperture 89 formed therethrough. Shank 88is received by arm 70 also having an aperture 79. When handle aperture89 is aligned with arm aperture 79, bolt 72 may extend therethrough andsecured with nut 74 to maintain paddle 80 therein.

It is preferably that a tight fit engagement exist between handle 88 andarm 70. Accordingly, space existing between the handle 88 and arm 70 canbe filled with a filler material or an insulating member to accomplish atight fit engagement. As shown in FIG. 10, sleeve 76, formed of highdensity plastic or other suitable material may first be received byhandle 88 before it is inserted into arm 70. Sleeve 76 is provided withaperture 77 for receiving bolt 72 therethrough. Blocking paddles 80, 82may be constructed of any suitable break resistant and durable material,such as low lensity PVC.

Turning now to FIG. 11, arm 70 is preferably coupled to leg 22 with arotatable fastening device 90 operative to permit arm 70 to beselectively angled relative to the frame. Rotatable fastener 90 includesa first locking jaw 92 provided with first teeth 91, which is joined toa second locking jaw 94, provided with second teeth 95. Rotatablefastener 90 also includes a cooperating fastening member 96 operative totighten or loosen jaws 92 and 94. Fastening member may be, as shown, athreaded bolt 96 that extends through first and second jaws 92 and 94 tomate with nut 98. Bolt 96 is preferably provided with knob 97 tofacilitate the tightening and loosening of first and second jaws 92, 94.

With continued reference to FIG. 11, rotatable fastener 90 is shown inthe locked position. When in the locked position, bolt 96 is tightenedso that teeth 91 and 95 are fully meshed to restrain the rotationalmovement of arm 70. As bolt 96 is loosened, however, first and secondjaws 92 and 94 move apart and teeth 91 and 95 are no longer meshed,thereby permit rotation of arm 70. It should be clearly understood thatfastener 90 is used in the exemplary embodiments. However, othersuitable fasteners that allow relative rotational or pivotal movementand the adjustment of the orientation of the blocking paddles, as wouldbe apparent to one ordinarily skilled in this art would be suitable inconstructing the apparatus according to the present invention.

With reference now to both FIGS. 11 and 12, rotatable fastener 90 issupported by leg 22. As shown in FIG. 12, first locking jaw 92 includesneck portion 93 extending therefrom and sized and adapted to be receivedby arm 70. When inserted therein, aperture 73 formed in neck or shaftportion 93 aligns with aperture 71 formed in arm portion 70 whereby afastening member, such as a rivet, may secure the two pieces together.Similarly, second locking jaw 94 includes a neck or shaft portion 99that extends therefrom that is sized and adapted to be received by leg20. Apertures 21 and 23, formed in leg 21 and shaft portion 93respectively, align so that a fastening member such as a rivet or boltset may secure the pieces together. Other suitable fastening members,such as threaded fasteners known in the art may also be used to securerotatable fastener 90 to both leg 20 and arm 70.

With reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, when the teeth of the first andsecond locking jaws 92 and 94 are moved apart, arm 70 is able to rotaterelative to the central longitudinal axis of leg 22 in the direction ofarrows “b” and “c”. In each direction, “b” and “c”, arm 70 is able torotate approximately 130° from starting position “x”. Once the desiredangle of arm 70 has been selected, bolt 96 is tightened, whereby teeth91 and 95 are meshed and movement of arm 70 is restrained.

The ability to rotate arm 70 increases the versatility of trainingapparatus 10 to imitate a large variety of blocking or defensive tacticsthat are encountered during the actual play of the game. Thisversatility is illustrated in three representative samples shown inFIGS. 13-15. As shown, lower crosspiece 26 is located in variousselected places along the length of legs 22 and 24. Further, arms 70 and72 have been rotated, relative legs 22 and 24, respectively, to bepositioned in various blocking orientations. Further, legs 22 and 24have been rotated about their respective central axes to orient paddles80 and 82 as desired. Based upon the foregoing description, it should beapparent, further, that multiple training apparatuses 10 may be used onone volleyball net at a time.

FIG. 16 shows an alternative embodiment of the training apparatusaccording to the present invention. Training apparatus 110 isconstructed as described above in reference to FIGS. 1-12, however theupper crosspiece in this embodiment includes a lobe in the form of ahead piece 115 connected to upper crosspiece 128. Head piece 115 may bea separate piece that is secured to upper crosspiece 128, or may be anintegral extension thereof. In addition, training apparatus 110 includesa foam strip 117 adhered to or otherwise secured to the top edge 127 ofupper crosspiece 128. Foam strip 117 cushions the top edge of crosspiece128 so as to reduce the risk of injury while training apparatus 110 isin use.

Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is illustrated inFIGS. 17-20. In these figures, training apparatus 210 has a structuresimilar to that training apparatus 10, with some differences as setforth below. As is shown in FIG. 17, training apparatus 210 includes asupport frame 220 that includes a pair of spaced apart legs 222 and 224that are in generally parallel spaced apart relation. An upper crosspiece 228 interconnects a top end portion of legs 222 and 224 and alower cross piece (not shown) connects the lower end portion of legs 222and 224 in a manner similar to that described with respect to crosspiece 26. Cross piece 228 is a flat panel of material that is generallyrectangular in shape but has a lobe 215 projecting upwardly therefromwhen training apparatus 210 is in a mounted state, as is shown in FIG.17. Here, frame 220 is positioned on a net 12 with cross piece 228engaging an upper edge of net 12. Frame 20 supports a pair of blockingassemblies 230 and 232 that include an arm portion 234, 236respectively, and a pair of blocking paddles 240 and 242 respectivelydisposed thereon. Protective plastic sleeves 238 surround arm portions234 and 236 as is illustrated in FIG. 17.

The structure of the blocking paddles 240, 242 is illustrated in FIG. 18with respect to blocking paddle 240. Here, it should be understood thatblocking paddle 242 is constructed identically to blocking paddle 240and is merely an identical structure that is rotated 180° about alongitudinal axis. With reference, then to FIG. 18, it may be seen thatblocking paddle 240 is configured in the shape of an adult human hand sothat it includes a palm portion 244 supporting a plurality of fingers246 and a thumb portion 248. A shank 250 extends longitudinally frompalm 244 and has a mounting hole 252 formed therethrough. Paddle member240 is also sized to be substantially the same as that of an adult humanhand and is formed of a durable, break resistant plastic as an integral,one piece construction. One such plastic, as noted above, is low densitypolyvinyl chloride.

The construction of the upper portion of frame 220 is shown in greaterdetail in FIGS. 19 and 20. Here, it may be seen that a representativeblocking paddle 240 is interconnected to a leg, such as leg 222, offrame 220 by means of a releasably rotatable locking fastener 250.Pivoting fastener 250 includes a first locking jaw 252 that arereleasably secured together by means of a thumb bolt 256. IN a mannersimilar to that described above, when bolt 256 is loosened, locking jaws252 and 254 may pivot relative to one another about the axis of bolt256. Locking jaws 252 and 254 are provided with cooperative, engagingteeth 258 such that, when bolt 256 is tightened, locking jaws 252 and254 engage one another to prevent relative rotation of the locking jaws.A first shaft 262 extends from locking jaw 252 and a second shaft 264extends from locking jaw 254. These shafts, then, respectively mount tothe blocking paddle and to the support frame.

Thus, as is shown in FIG. 19, shaft 262 is bifurcated to have opposedarms 266 defining a slot 268 that receives shank 250 of blocking paddle240 (or 242). A bore 270 extends through arms 266 with this bore 270registering with hole 252 in shank 250. Blocking member 240, along withprotective sleeve 238, is then secured to shaft 262 by means of bolt 272extending through the aligned bore and opening.

Shaft 264 may be solid and sized to be telescopically mated with theinterior of leg 222 (or 224) and is provided with suitable openings toreceive nut and bolt combinations 27nut and 4 thereby to secure bothshank 264 in leg 222 and to secure cross piece 228 at the upper end oflegs 222 and 224. To this end, also, spacers 276 are provided so that agap 278 exists between cross piece 228 and legs 222, 224. The upper edgeof net 12, can then be received into this gap and be engaged by one ormore rollers 280 that are rotatably disposed on cross piece 228. Rollers280, of course, allow for the translation of frame 220 along the upperedge of net 12, as described above.

If desired, an optional extension arm may be used to interconnect eachof the blocking paddles with the rotatable locking fastener 250, as isillustrated in FIG. 21. Here, this optional arm 290 is in the form of atubular extension of plastic or metal that receives shaft 262 and isbolted thereto by means of nut and bolt set 272. A fitting 292 islocated at an end of tubular extension 290 opposite fastener 250 withfitting 292 having a shaft 294 that is telescopically received intubular extension 290 is securely bolted therein by nut and boltcombination 296. Fitting 292 has a pair of arms 296 that form a slot 298to which the blocking paddles 240, 242 may be respectively mounted inthe manner described with respect to shank 262, above.

With respect to the sport of volleyball, one of the primary scoringtechniques is called the bump, set, spike approach. Particularly, thebump-set-spike is an offensive strategy wherein a teammate “bumps” orpasses the ball to another teammate called the setter. The setter thensets the ball so as to position it for another teammate to drive or“spike” the ball over the net and into the opposing team's court. Thesetter's placement of the ball for the hitter is important. The speed,location, and trajectory of the ball each factor into the ability of thespiker to successfully spike the ball with enough force and accuracy towin points.

One of the primary defensive strategies against the bump, set, spike, isblocking. Typically, volleyball players, anticipating the spike, willjump adjacent to the net in an attempt to block the spike. The spiker'schance of hitting the ball into the opposing team's court is improved ifthe spiker can anticipate the block and react to the blocker's jump,movement, and location. One or more of the training apparatuses of thepresent invention may be used to improve the spiker's placement of thevolleyball in the opposing team's court. As such, the present inventioncontemplates a method of training an individual to improve their skillsin placing the volleyball in their opponent's court, whether by spikingthe ball, or otherwise hitting the ball over the net.

The steps of this method include providing a volleyball net with atleast one training apparatus mounted thereon having a construction asdescribed above. This method may include any step specified or inherentin the above-described exemplary embodiments. A plurality of trainingapparatuses may also be provided, either close together or spaced apartfrom one another, according to this method. Both the arms and thepaddles of the training apparatus are oriented in one of a variety ofblocking type orientation. With the training apparatus in place, thetrainee attempts to spike or otherwise send the volleyball into theopposing team's court without having the ball blocked by the apparatus.

Accordingly, the present invention has been described with some degreeof particularity directed to the exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention. It should be appreciated, though, that modifications orchanges may be made to the exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention without departing from the inventive concepts containedherein.

1. An apparatus for use by an athlete when practicing athletic skillsfor a sport utilizing a horizontal net that is suspended above a supportsurface and that has top edge and a bottom edge and that defines avertical plane when suspended, comprising: (A) a support frame adaptedto be mounted on the net in a mounted state; and (B) a pair of blockingassemblies supported by said frame, each said blocking assemblyincluding a blocking paddle that extends from said frame generally abovethe top edge of the net when said frame is in the mounted state.
 2. Anapparatus according to claim 1 wherein each said blocking assemblyincludes an arm having a proximal portion secured to said frame, saidblocking paddle secured to said arm at a distal end thereof.
 3. Anapparatus according to claim 3 wherein said arm has a size and shapeabout that of an adult human forearm.
 4. An apparatus according to claim1 wherein each said blocking paddle is configured in the shape of ahuman hand and has a size about that of an adult human hand.
 5. Anapparatus according to claim 1 wherein said blocking paddles are formedof low density, break resistant plastic.
 6. An apparatus according toclaim 1 wherein each said blocking paddle is secured relative to saidsupport frame whereby each blocking paddle may be placed in a selectedorientation independently of one another.
 7. An apparatus according toclaim 6 including a pair of locking pivot gear fasteners mounted on saidsupport frame, one of said blocking paddles being pivotally supported byeach of said locking pivot gear fasteners whereby each said blockingpaddle may be placed and releasably locked in a selected pivotalorientation with respect to said support frame.
 8. An apparatusaccording to claim 7 including an auxiliary extension arm correspondingto each of said locking pivot gear fasteners, a proximal end portion ofeach extension arm being securable to its respective locking pivot gearfastener and a respective blocking paddle being securable to a distalend portion of each extension arm.
 9. An apparatus according to claim 1wherein said support frame has a top portion that engages the top edgeof said net and a bottom portion that engages the bottom edge of thenet, said support frame being translatable alongside the net wherebysaid frame may be selectively positioned therealong.
 10. An apparatusaccording to claim 9 wherein the top portion of said support frame isprovided with at least one roller that engages the top edge of said netwhereby said frame may be rolled along the top edge of said net fortranslation therealong.
 11. An apparatus according to claim 1 whereinsaid support frame is generally rectangular in shape including a pair ofspaced-apart legs each having a longitudinally extending central legaxis and each forming a respective one of the sides of said supportframe, a lower crosspiece extending between said legs and an uppercrosspiece extending between said legs at a selected distance therefrom,said blocking assemblies respectively secured to and extending upwardlyfrom each said leg.
 12. An apparatus according to claim 11 including alocking pivot gear fastener mounted on each said leg, one of saidblocking paddles being pivotally supported by each of said locking pivotgear fasteners whereby each said blocking paddle may be placed andreleasably locked in a selected pivotal orientation with respect to theaxis of the respective leg.
 13. An apparatus according to claim 11wherein said upper crosspiece has an upwardly projecting lobe locatedbetween said legs.
 14. An apparatus according to claim 13 wherein saidlobe is configured to have a size and shape about that of an adult humanhead.
 15. An apparatus according to claim 11 wherein the selecteddistance between said upper and lower crosspieces may be selectivelyadjusted.
 16. An apparatus for use by an athlete when practicingathletic skills for a sport utilizing a horizontal net that is suspendedabove a support surface and that has top edge and a bottom edge and thatdefines a vertical plane when suspended, comprising: (A) a support frameadapted to be mounted on the net in a mounted state, said support framebeing generally rectangular in shape including a pair of spaced-apartlegs each having a longitudinally extending central leg axis and eachforming a respective one of the sides of said support frame, a lowercrosspiece extending between said legs and an upper crosspiece extendingbetween said legs at a selected distance therefrom; (B) at least oneroller disposed on said upper crosspiece and operative to engage the topedge of the net when in the mounted state whereby said support frame maybe rollably supported by the top edge of the net for translationtherealong, said lower crosspiece engaging the lower edge of the net;(C) a locking pivot gear fastener secured to each of said legs; (D) ablocking assembly supported by each said locking pivot gear fastener inspaced-apart relation to one another, each said blocking assemblyincluding a blocking paddle that extends generally above the top edge ofthe net when said support frame is in the mounted state.
 17. Anapparatus according to claim 16 wherein each said blocking assemblyincludes an arm having a proximal portion secured to said frame, saidblocking paddle secured to said arm at a distal end thereof.
 18. Anapparatus according to claim 17 wherein said arm has a size and shapeabout that of an adult human forearm.
 19. An apparatus according toclaim 16 wherein each said blocking paddle is configured in the shape ofa human hand and has a size about that of an adult human hand.
 20. Anapparatus according to claim 16 wherein each said blocking paddle issecured relative to said support frame whereby each blocking paddle maybe placed in a selected orientation independently of one another.
 21. Anapparatus according to claim 16 wherein said upper crosspiece has anupwardly projecting lobe located between said legs.
 22. A method oftraining an athlete in the sport of volleyball, comprising: (A)providing a training apparatus the includes a pair of independentlymoveable blocking paddles; (B) securing said training apparatus to avolleyball net in a manner that permits translation of said trainingapparatus along said net; (C) adjustably orienting said blocking paddlesto desired locations; and (D) having the athlete attempt to send avolleyball past said training apparatus as if said training apparatuswere a defender against the athlete.
 23. A method according to claim 22including a step of translating said training apparatus along the netwhile the athlete is attempting to send the volleyball past saidtraining apparatus.